The promoters of the European Grand Prix at Valencia have reacted to criticism of the track’s appearance by painting parts of it green.

They hope this will make it easier for television viewers to distinguish between the 25 corners on the 5.4km track.

According to promoter Valmor Sports:

Valencia Street Circuit this year has a new colour in its design, this colour is green to simulate the grass and to give more colour to the path. This green colour will be more attraction [sic] to the television cameras that follow the Formula 1.

Two of the corners on the track have now been given names. Turn eight (the right-hander before the bridge) is now called Curva Marca Leyenda and turn 25 (the left-hander which brings cars back onto the start/finish straight (has been named Curva Boluda).

The track certainly needs something to make it appear more distinctive on television. This may help but from reading the comments on this earlier article I suspect most people would prefer the circuit received more drastic treatment.

The organisers have also laid a 2m-wide strip of artificial grass at the exit of turn 20 to discourage drivers from using the run-off there as an extension of the circuit. And exit kerbs at turn five, ten and 14 have been replaced by a 25mm high ‘slant’.

55 comments on Valencia gets a lick of paint and turn names

It just gives the drivers an excuse: “The track is green, you can’t overtake or go off line anywhere”.

Only 23 more corners left to name – everyone in F1 will still refer to them by number though, which is lousy communication with the public – it’s like the Race Control announcements – “drive through for car 12″ – why not use the driver’s name?

I’ve never liked Valencia, and for the past 2 years, all I’ve been thinking is “You know what, this race would be so much better if they painted some of it green, and I really want 2 of the corners to have names…” It’s going to be a brilliant race this year, now that it’s green!

They could always paint white traffic-lines on the circuit in random places to give a bit more authenticity as a ‘street’ venue.
I have the impression that most of it is left alone by the daily Valencia traffic. Does anybody have any proof that those really are ‘streets’ when its not pretending to be a ‘cicuit’? :-)

Looking at the aerial photographs I don’t think they’re real streets and according to the media kit (emphasis added):

the asphalt is formed by layers of modifed tarmac with great resistance to horizontal stress, typical of competition track surfaces. It also has the usual systems of drainage and, unlke the rest of the streets in the city, it does not have any sewers.

Are you sure it’s called Curva Boluda?, Boluda is an insult in Argentina and I think in all Latin America.
But it’s a good description of the circuit as a whole. ( It can be used to say it’s extremely easy or simple )